On Saturday 28^th November, ten pupils from S5 were selected to represent Barrhead High School in the East Renfrewshire ‘Mini Trials’ – an initiative created by Sandy Wylie QC & taken forward with the support and encouragement of the Faculty of Advocates.   

‘MiniTrials’ are simulated court cases where young people take part in  reconstructions of both criminal & civil jury trials. They convene the court, hear the evidence and return their own verdict – with the help of lawyer volunteers.   The  materials have been prepared by Scottish lawyers – and are based on what actually happens in a Scottish Sheriff Court. They are designed to help students learn about the Scottish legal system, courts and the people who appear in them in an interesting and enjoyable way.  In essence, the ultimate aim is to improve both understanding and discussion about our legal system.

Throughout the day, pupils took part in recreations of both Criminal & Civil jury trials – competing against Mearns Castle HS & St Ninian’s HS respectively. After a narrow defeat to Mearns Castle in the morning, the team were able to win their Civil case against St Ninian’s in the afternoon – successfully acting on behalf of the Defender in the world famous civil case of Donoghue v Stevenson 1932 S.C. (H.L.) 31 – the case of “The Paisley Snail”. 

Barrhead HS was represented by: Gemma Carse; Hayley Fox; Dani McArthur; Jillian Heron; Emma Alford; Richard Barr; Holly Cunningham; Ross McFarlane; Jamie MacKenzie & Andrew McDougall.  Ronnie Bain, one of the events organisers, e-mailed the school to pass on his congratulations, stating “Congratulations to you and your team – you are no doubt rightly proud of them”